Well, maybe Spring is upon us for a few days, giving us an opportunity to get out without bulky clothes. This week we have three visiting jazz artists (as well as Tony Bennett at the State on Thursday) and six visiting artists in blues and roots. Of course we also have resident artists such as the Atlantis Quartet and Wee Willie Walker, who are known throughout our nation, as well as in some parts of the world, and others who could be, with the right promotion. All of which makes for a rich tapestry of music for the coming week. Music Lifts the Spirit!

Laura Caviani & David Milne @ Crooners’ Dunsmore Room, Fridley. 7:30pm ($12-$15) Pianist Laura Caviani is busy these days, having released two Cds with her trio, taking on more responsibility teaching at St. Olaf, and appearing in other projects, such as this collaboration with saxophonist David Milne. Milne is a Professor of Music and director of Jazz Ensembles at the U of WI-River Falls. Here’s Laura with the title song from her latest CD.

Friday, May 11

Nathan Hanson’s Five Times Golden @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 8pm ($10, $5 w/Valid Student ID) Saxophonist Hanson is an adventurous musician who has played in far-flung places from Pittsburg to Slovenia, in addition to playing in numerous Twin Cities venues. He’ll be accompanied by long-time collaborator Doan Roessler on bass, as well as Devon Gray on piano, and Kismat Shrestha, drums. Her;’s Nathan with Dean Roessler.

The Music of Bill Evans @ Boom Island Brewing, Minneapolis. (Tip Jar) The MN Hard Bop Collective is reduced to a trio tonight as Graydon Peterson, bass; and Jesse Simon drums, join with the sensitive, yet swinging pianist Phil Aaron to perform the exquisite compositions of Bill Evans. Here’s Aaron with another classic.

Kate Lynch & Her Most Excellent Fellows @ The Aster Cafe, Minneapolis. 9pm ($10) This is the last event of a nine-month monthly residency for Ms Lynch and her Fellows. It’s vintage vocal jazz, with a few old pop tuns thrown in for good measure, delivered in front of a window facing the Minneapolis skyline. Though there is no dance floor as such, a few brave couples will occasionally respond to the groups; swingin’ tunes.

Monday, May 14

Arturo Sandoval @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($40, $45, $50), 9pm ($30, $35, $40) Trumpeter Sandoval was a one-time protege of Dizzy Gillespie and a founding member of the explosive, Grammy winning Cuban group Irakere. He left the group in the early 80s, and moved to Miami in the early 90s. Since then he’s earned 4 Grammys, 6 Billboard Awards, and an Emmy. His brilliance is evident whether performing Latin, Jazz, or Classical music.

World Jazz Collegium @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 8:30pm ($10, $5 w/Valid Student ID) Guitarist pavel Jany heads up this quartet, which includes John Croarkin, Dan Weston, and Beth Varela, along with special guest, pianist Steven Hobert. They meld elements of different world musics with jazz and classical music.

Tuesday, May 15

Lynne Arriale Trio @ Crooners’ Dunsmore Room, Fridley. 7:30pm ($25) Pianist Arriale has a new CD to, her 14th as a leader, and she’ll be celebrating its release with resident musicians Chris Bates on bass and Cory Healy on drums. The CD, “Give Us These Days,”was recorded in the Netherlands with a couple of Dutch musicians, and includes six originals and three arrangements, all of which reflect her sense of wonder and showcase her rich imagination and peerless playing.

Tuesday, Wednesday, May 15, 16

Terrance Blanchard & The E-Collective @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($40), 9pm ($25) The last time trumpeter Blanchard & the E Collective was in town, they were recording songs in cities where conflicts have arisen over police shootings of African Americans. They chose the Twin Cities after the death of Philando Castille. Now they’re touring on the April release of Live!, which features seven powerful songs from that tour. They stress that the project condemns all gun violence, whether against profiled persons of color or law enforcement.

For more listings, KBEM provides a calendar of jazz and roots music. For further commentary on Twin Cities jazz, check out the blogs, Jazz Ink, and Bebopified.

Blues, Roots, Other…

Wednesday, May 9

Gentlemen’s Anti-Temperance League on KFAI and @ The 331 Club, Minneapolis. 5pm (90.3 & 106.7FM), 7pm (331 Club – Tip Jar) The onset of Prohibition in 1920 coincided with with the rise of jazz. The GATL celebrates the music of the time with enthusiasm and virtuosity.

Suzanne Vega @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($45, $50, $60) Vocalist Vega is often credited with starting the folk revival of the 80s. Tonight she’ll be performing both her 1987 album Solitude Standing and her 1992 album 99.9F in full.

Thursday, May 10

The Banjo Hour w/Captain Gravitone & the String Theory Orchestra @ The Hook & Ladder, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($12 Advance/$15 Door) Eli Hoehn, of Captain Gravitone, will host this two-hour music variety show. Its loosely based on a talk show format, and will include Mother Banjo, banjoists Phil Nusbaum and Tom Nechville, an announcer, several features, and music by the house band.

Friday, May 11

Big Sandy & The Fly-Rite Boys @ Lee’s Liquor Lounge, Minneapolis. 9pm ($12, $15) The Los Angeles – based rockabilly/roots singer and guitarist returns to his favorite Twin Cities venue, where he’ll likely mix in some Western Swing and L.A. doo-wop into his repertoire. The roomy dancefloor will undoubtedly be filled.

Saturday, May 12

New Orleans Suspects, Honey Island Swamp Band @ The Hook & Ladder, Minneapolis. 8:30pm ($25 Advance/$30 Door) If you didn’t make it to the New Orleans Jazz Festival, you can still enjoy the music of that town, with these two groups of outstanding musicians, and special guest Camille Baudoin, formerly of the Radiators. Arrive early, and with a bit more cash, and you can take part in a Crawfish Boil (6-8pm, $45 Advance/$50 Door, includes concert)

The Greatest Generation @ The Ordway, Saint Paul. 7:30pm ($28, $38, $48) The Oratorio Society of Minnesota presents the premier of The Greatest Generation: An American Oratorio. This ground-breaking work combines the great popular tunes of the Second World War era with new original compositions and arrangements to craft and pay homage to the American family at war. Songs will include: As Time Goes By, Embraceable You, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, and In The Mood

California Honeydrops @ The Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis. 8pm ($17 Advance/$20 Door) The CA Honeydrops are celebrating ten years together with the release of their 7th album, the double disc Call It Home: Vol 1&2. The album showcases their deep love and understanding of classic R&B, New Orleans rhythms, Memphis Soul, and the blues. Tad Selzer and I will be doing a phone interview with founder Lech Wierzynski at about 3pm Wednesday, May 8 on The Rockhouse. Tune in live or listen to it on the archives.

Commander Cody @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm, 9:30pm ($25) Back in the early 70s, Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen had a hit with a revival of Hot Rod Lincoln. Using a mix of boogie woogie, rock n’ roll, and country music they revived old barn-burners and sang hippie anthems as well as send ups of familiar themes: Mama Hated Diesels, the Kentucky Hills of Tennessee, and Seeds and Stems (Again). Cody and his current band continue to play foot-stomping, good-time music.

Sunday, May 13

Charanga Tropical @ The Icehouse, Minneapolis. 5pm ($5) A late afternoon’s worth of Cuban Dance music, so you can dance off you Sunday dinner.

Wee Willie Walker @ The Minnesota Music Cafe, Saint Paul. 5pm ($?) If you aren’t aware of Walker, see the article in this past Monday’s Star Tribune.

Monday, May 14

JJ’s Zydeco Paydirt @ The Eagles Club #34, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($5?, $8?) Get out those dancin’ shoes and enjoy the insistent, “its got a good beat” music from Southern Louisiana. It’s an early start, just right for a “school night.”

For a more comprehensive listing of blues (and some roots) events, see the MN Blues Society calendar. For a comprehensive listing of Cajun and Zydeco events, see the Krewe de Walleye calendar.

Many opportunities for jazz, blues, and roots lovers to go out and hear music. There’s a cinematic mini-theme of sorts this week, with Bill Frisell exploring music from films and television, Bob DeFlores showing soundies from the 40s, and a showing of the Triplets of Belleville with live orchestration at Northrup. Have fun, and remember music lifts the spirit.

Jazz

Wednesday, February 17

King Fletcher Woods @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 8:30pm ($10) Wednesdays at Jazz Central are given over to new music, or new groups. Tonight, Jeff King, on sax; Charles Fletcher on bass; and Eron Woods on drums offer up their version of a (not so) simple trio.

Thursday, February 18

Charmin & Shapira @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($10) Charmin Michelle, on vocals, and Joel Shapira, on guitar are musical partners who have been playing together for years now, and will be trying out new material in the basement club that looks like a music-themed rec room. Here they are with a standard.

JT Bates’ GRAIN @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 9pm ($8) JT Bates is a drummer who is well-versed in a number of genres. With GRAIN he’s exploring the rich tradition of soul jazz organ trios with Kevin Gastonguay on B3 and Zacc Harris on guitar.

Bruce Henry @ Crooners Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7:30pm (No Cover) Though vocalist Henry now lives in Chicago, he continues to perform here with regularity, always able to have a dynamic backing band. Tonight it’s Phil Hey, Drums; Javi Santiago, Piano; Scott Fultz, Sax; and Jeff Bailey on Bass. Henry will undoubtedly be mixing up some Motown and other danceable songs along with his extraordinary jazz stylings. Here he is doing a standard.

Bill Frisell @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($30 – $40), 9pm ($30 – $35) Frisell was just here with Charles Lloyd, and once again proved that he has a unique approach to playing guitar. He can get to the emotional center of a song with just a few notes. With this show, titled When You Wish Upon A Star, he takes on the classic film and television themes, illustrating how they shape our relationship to what we wee. He’s joined by Eyvind Kang, viola; Thomas Morgan, gbass; Rudy Royston, drums; and Petra Haden on vocals. They’ll re-imagine songs like Over the Rainbow, Disney themes, and music from the Honeymooners. Here’s a video where he talks about the project.

Sunday, February 21

St. Olaf Jazz Ensemble @ Crooners Lounge & Supper Club, Fridley. 3pm – 6pm (No Cover) The student jazz ensemble directed by Dave Hagedorn is heading to Cuba at the end of March and they’re holding a fundraiser. There will be raffle tickets available for $10, though admittedly, I don’t know what’s being raffled. Nevertheless, the ensemble has a strong reputation, and given their director (Hagedorn), it’s no wonder. I understand that Mojitos are the drink of the day, though Crooners will have their usual drink and food menu available.

Dan Chouinard & Gwen Matthews @ The Dunsmore Room, Crooners, Fridley. 7pm ($20 Minimum) It’s the revival of Chouinard’s Birthday Club, where strophe and a guest – this time it’s Gwen Matthews – perform songs from composers and singers with birthdays in the current month.

Monday, February 22

Ches Smith Trio @ The Icehouse, Minneapolis. 9:30pm ($15) Here’s a gig that has many modern jazz fans excited. Ches Smith is a musical explorer who plays drums (including tympani), percussion, and vibraphone. Though Smith is an in-demand player, (he’s appeared on at least 50 recordings since 2001), he is not well known among the jazz public. For this trio he’s joined by violist Mat Maneri and pianist Craig Taborn, who grew up in the Twin Cities. All three record for ECM records, and are touring behind the recently released Bell. It’s filled with free improvisation, empty spaces, and complex phrases that run from meditative to exhilarating.

Blues, Roots, Other…

Wednesday, February 17

Captain Gravitone @ KFAI and the 331 Club, Minneapolis. 5pm (90.3 & 106.7FM), 7pm (331 Club – Tip Jar) Banjoist/composer Eli Hoehn leads this quintet through Americana, jazz, Gypsy jazz, tangos and more. Names after a fictional super-hero named Captain Gravitone the band incorporates some humor into their songs (something we need to here more in music) as well as thoughtfulness and intrigue. Consider the titles of some of their songs: “Warm, Dark, Narcotic American Night,” “Daydreaming Out of the 9 to 5 Corporate Office Window,” and “Hula-hoop Girl on Bourbon Street.” Tune in while they’re on the radio and then head over to the 331 to hear more.

Pat Donahue @ Crooners Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley, 7pm (No Cover) In a town where at least three guitarists have earned the title of Fingerstyle National Champion, Pat Donahue who is one of those guitarists, stands out, in part because he also sings, and in part because he was a regular on Prairie Home Companion for many years, honing his skill and playing a wide variety of music.

Triplets of Belleville Cine-Concert @ Northrup Auditorium, UofM, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($25 – $35) The Grammy-nominated animated madcap comedy about the abduction of a French road-racing bicyclist and his grandmother’s quest to find him will be accompanied by the eight-piece Le Terrible Ortchestre de Belleville directed by Benoit Charest conducting his original score for the film. Imagine the following with live music.

Thursday, February 18

Ostroushko, Magraw, & Rae: The World Live! at the Hill @ The James J Hill Center, Saint Paul. 7pm ($10 Advance, $15 Door) This monthly series of world music brings together three excellent musicians. Peter Ostroushko is a mandolinist/fiddle/guitarist who played on Blood on the Tracks, and has appeared on Praire Home Companion, Austin City Limits, David Letterman, and Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. Dean Magraw is a versatile guitarist who can turn out Celtic and world licks, improvise with the best jazz musicians, and fuzz up his guitar in homage to Jimi Hendrix. Jillian Rae is the youngest of the three, a multi-talented violinist, vocalist, and songwriter, whose songs are full of hooks, and who can play Led Zeppelin as well as a traditional fiddle tune. Check out this video by Rae.

Friday, February 19

Noura Mint Seymali @ The Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis. 8pm ($25) I have to say I’m not very familiar with Mauritanian singer Noura Mint Seymali, but her YouTube videos show her singing timeless songs from the Sahara. She achieves a contemporary sound with the addition of very cosmopolitan mix of funk bass, drums, and psych guitar played by (husband and fellow griot) Jeich Ould Chighaly. You may not understand the words, but her emotion and the songs beats just may get you dancing.

We Can Be Heroes – The David Bowie Tribute @ The Parkway Theater, 4814 Chicago Ave So, Minneapolis. 7pm ($35) With the passing of Bowie a couple of weeks ago, the tributes are coming. This one is particularly impressive with an All-Star lineup that includes former members of Priince, Soul Asylu, The Suburbs, The REmbrandst, and Greazy Meal. Vocalist Julius Collins leads the proceedings, joined by Michael Bland, Winsotn Roye, Brian Gallagher, Cory Eischen, Phil Solem, Jeremy Ylvisaker, and special guest Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum. DJ Phat will spin from 8pm to 9pm, when the tribute begins. Dress up encouraged. though he’s not singing a Bowie song, this clip is an example of Collin’s singing ability.

Saturday, February 20

Kate Fierro: The Songs of Sade @ The Parkway Theater, 4814 Chicago Ave So, Minneapolis. 8pm ($15 Advance, $20 Door) Fierro will enjoy the backing of a great band as she explores 22 songs from Sade’s catalogue, from Diamond Life (1984) to Lover’s Rock (2000). Fierro’s backing band includes back-up singers and band leaders, Katie Gearty and Julius Collins, and is driven by David Young and Joshua Stigen on guitars, Serge Aku on bass, Aaron Tafoya on percussion, Charlie Peterson on keys and production, Mike Holvig on drums and the incredible, long time Twin Cities favorite, Ronny Loew, who will add sparkling saxophone to complete the sound.

Patsy O’Brien @ The Riverview Cafe, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($15) Born and raised in Ireland, O’Brien now calls Saint Paul home. While he certainly draws upon his Irish heritage in performing, he has studied jazz, and has toured in country and rock bands. He’s been called “Ireland’s Best Kept Secret,” and an “Irish Robbie Robertson.”

Sunday, February 21

Bob DeFlores Presents The Soundies @ Chanhassen Theatres, 501 West 78th Street, Chanhassen. 3pm ($12, or $27 including 4:30pm dinner) Make your way to the Southwest suburb to take in this unique show. “Soundies” were essentially the music videos of the 1940s, 3 minute films of singers, dancers, and bands created for screening in film jukeboxes. Some were also shown during the early days of television. Bob DeFlores, nationally known archivist of films, will be showing some of the great entertainers, singers and orchestras of the era: Cab Calloway, Fats Waller, Doris Day, Jimmy Dorsey, The Mills Brothers, Liberace, Eddie Peabody, Ozzie Nelson, Gene Krupa with Anita O’Day and Roy Eldridge, and many more. Also enjoy “Sing Along with the Bouncing Ball!” Dinner will be served after the showing. Here’s an example.

Monday, February 22

New Riverside Ramblers @ The Eagles Club #34, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($8) It’s Cajun/Zydeco night at the Eagles, with the New Riverside Ramblers Having played together for 25 years, these musicians are adept at providing the impetus for folks to shake it, twirl it, and glide around the dance floor.

Tuesday, February 23

Warren Haynes and the Ashes & Dust Band @ The Fitzgerald Theater, Saint Paul. 7:30pm ($34 – $40) Guitarist Haynes has been part of three groups known for their live performances: the Allman Brothers, Gov’t Mule, and The Dead. On his latest album, Ashes & Dust, Haynes shows off his Americana chops both as a singer and songwriter, reflecting the music he heard growing up in Asheville, NC, with an undercurrent of working class rock n’ roll. Not to worry, however, he’s still using his electric guitar while making good use of the acoustic prowess of his backing band.

For a more comprehensive listing of blues (and some roots) events, see the MN Blues Society calendar. For a comprehensive listing of Cajun and Zydeco events, see the Krewe de Walleye calendar.

It’s another good week for jazz in the Twin Cities, and though we only have one visiting artist (Joey DeFrancesco), we do have a couple of Chicago artists who perform hear regularly. We also have many outstanding players who would welcome your presence. On the blues and roots side of things, we have a couple of musicians who defined that 80s sound, some long time Twin Cities bluesmen, and some classical music as performed by a small choir. Music Lifts the Spirit.

Jazz

Wednesday, November 4

Anthony Cox: Continuum Series @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 8:30pm ($10 Suggested Donation) The first Wednesday of each month, crack bassist Anthony Cox hosts a group of musicians, and sometimes artists from other disciplines. They play, interact, and sometimes Cox opens it up for the audience to ask questions and take part.

Thursday, November 5

Jon Pemberton @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 6pm (No cover) The pianist/trumpeter will be accompanied by bassist Matt Peterson, for dinner music that’s much more than dinner music. Here’s Jon in a trio format.

Zacc andCory, getting real. Photo by Andrea Canter

Cory Healey’s Beautiful Sunshine Band @ Groundswell, 1340 Thomas Avenue, Saint Paul. 7pm ($7) It’s a three act evening as drummer Cory Healey brings his band to this corner coffeehouse. Besides Healey on drums, the band includes Erik Fratzke, bass; Zacc Harris guitar; Brandon Wozniak, sax. Also playing this evening: Graham O’Brien (unknown to me) and a group called And…And…End, featuring Noah Ophoven-Baldwin on trumpet; and Cole Pulice, sax.

Bruce Henry @ Crooner’s Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm (No Cover) Henry, who now lives in Chicago, is back for a visit. He isn’t a crooner, though he could be if he wanted. Instead, he sings jazz and R&B songs like Freddie Hubbard’s Red Clay and Coltane’s Equinox, as well as Motown numbers that will make you dance.

Graydon Peterson Quartet CD Release @ The Nicollet Cafe, Minneapolis. (Tip Jar) The Graydon Peterson Quartet is releasing a fine little CD entitled, oddly enough, Duets. It features nine tracks of original compositions played as duets between various member of the quartet: Peterson, bass; Adam Meckler, trumpet; Joe Strachan, keys; and Adrian Suarez, drums. Here’s one of the numbers.

Saturday, November 7

Butch Thompson Trio @ Jazz at St. Barney’s, 15600 Old Rockford Road, Plymouth. 7pm – 8pm ($10) Pianist Butch Thompson, together with Tony Balluf, clarinet; and Steve Pikal, bass, play a combination of old time jazz and occasional blues. You couldn’t find a better trio in town for this music. Here’s Butch with a different trio.

Steve Cole @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm, 9pm ($20) The Chicago native has released 15 albums since his debut in 1998. With a saxophone sound that can be greasy or “smooth” Cole has recorded with Jr. Wells, Buddy Guy, Larry Carlton, Freddy Cole, and Boz Scaggs, among others. Special guest will be our very own Patty Peterson.

Babatunde Lea Quartet @ The Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, Saint Paul. 8:30pm (tip Jar) Master drummer and conguero Lea has played with Pharoah Sanders and Stan Getz, among others, and had the first release of Motema Records. Tonight he leads Zacc Harris, guitar; Geoff Brennan, bass; and Phil Aaron, piano, in an evening of exciting music. Opening tonight at 7pm is the clever Exquisite Corps, with Dave Roos, guitar; Eron Woods, Drums; and Peter Susag, bass. All of their songs have a body part in the title.

Sunday, November 8

Paul Renz Quartet @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($5) He might be better known on the East Coast than here in town, but Renz s a guitarist that you should hear. His writing and playing are both melodic and inventive.

Monday, November 9

Joey DeFrancesco @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($32), 9pm ($22) Since the death of DeFrancesco’s mentor, Jimmy Smith, DeFrancesco has become the leading light of B3 Organ music. I’ve seen him a half dozen times at least, and he’s always satisfying.

Tuesday, November 10

Mary Louise Knutson Trio @ Crooner’s Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm (No Cover) Though I wrote about Mary Louise playing solo at the Vieux Carre last week, this week she’s joined by Gordy Johnson, bass, and Phil Hey, drums. Pardon the bad grammar, but to put it simply, it don’t get no better!

Phil Aaron Trio @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 8pm ($5) Aaron, piano; Gary Raynor, bass; Jay Epstein, drums. Another stellar trio, this time playing for those who want to hang in the city. Aaron can swing like mad, and makes difficult charts look like child’s play.

Blues, Roots, Other…

Wednesday, November 4

John Beach Trio on KFAI and @ The 331 Club, Minneapolis. 5pm (90.3 & 106.7FM), 7pm (331 club – Tip Jar) At this point, John Beach is often described as Legendary John Beach. He’s been a fixture on the Twin Cities music scene of years, playing piano for Willie Murphy, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Bo Diddley, and more… Tune in to find out who is playing with him.

Joe Jackson @ the Fitzgerald Theater, Saint Paul. 7:30pm ($40 – $67.50) Musical wanderer Jackson has been all over the place, deftly picking up genres and disposing of them as soon as he’s conquered them. He first made a splash with the new-wavy Is She Really Going Out with Him in 1979 and subsequently explored reggae, salsa, jump blues, R&B and Jazz, film scores, and contemporary classical music,as well as a 2012 horn-free release celebrating Duke Ellington, but nevertheless including a duet with Iggy Pop. He’ll open the show with a short solo piano set before bringing on a full band. DJ Jake Rudh will spin pre-show music. Here’s a song from Joe’s recently released album.

Friday, November 6

Captain Gravitone & the String Theory Orchestra @ The Black Dog Coffee & Wine Bar, Saint Paul. 8pm (Tip Jar) Vocalist/banjo picker Eli Hoehn leads this Americana sextet, through a repertoire that emphasizes acoustic instruments with a bit of rock undercurrents. Their new CD, A Real Fine Day (when the circus comes to town) features four brass and a violin as well, but I don’t know if they’ll be in the show.

Madeline Peyroux @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($40 – $60), 9pm ($30 – $50) With a low-key style and a voice that evokes Billie Holiday, Peyroux has tackled a wide variety of material. She recently released a Best Of compilation on Rounder Records which includes songs from her 20[-year career including some Atlantic and Decca/Emarcy releases.

Hymnos Vocal Ensemble: Lowertown Classics @ Lowertown Lofts, 255 Kellogg Blvd East, Saint Paul. 8pm ($10 Suggested Donation) Here’s an under-the-radar gig for those who appreciate classical music. In fact, you have to enter the artists’ building via its back alley, and make your way to the third floor atrium. Hymnos is a choir of 8-12 highly select mixed voices that has been performing a wide range of music, from Renaissance to contemporary, since being founded in 2011 by Eric Sorum. They will be joined by Jennifer Parker, voice, Eva Bnenke, classical guitar; and Chris Olson, guitar. There will be wine, coffee, pastries and candy.

Papa John Kolstad and the Hot Club of East Lake Street @ Merlins, Minneapolis. 8:30pm – 12:30am. Papa John returns to Merlins on a Saturday night. John’s guitar playing, wry humor, and sly political asides, together with Sam Fiske, trumpet; Deano Mikkelson, guitar; and Bill Grenke, bass, makes for an entertaining evening. Bring your ID if you want adult beverages, and get there a bit early to get a good seat.

Saturday, November 7

Scottie Miller @ Crooner’s Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm (No Cover) Miller has a new album, Reciprocation, and as with his last one, he’s rockin’ out a bit, though his New Orleans/Barrelhouse piano, and R&B beats still shine through.

Hurricane Harold’s All-Stars @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 9pm ($8) Though it’s slightly tonier than his usual haunts, Hurricane Harold, and his All-Star band of Twin Cities Bluesers will fit in just fine at the basement club. Plus, it won’t be hard to move tables when the dancing bug hits. Check out the Scottie Miller video above for one version of the All-Stars.

Monday, November 9

A very different Joe Fingers.

Joe Fingers @ Dunn Brothers on Grand, Saint Paul. 7:30pm (Tip Jar) Joe Fingers is an ace fingerpicker, one of a number of champions that live in the area. Once in a while, though he may be ignored by Latte-drinkes perusing the internet, he just likes to play.

Tuesday, November 10

Howard Jones @ The Fine Line, Minneapolis. 7pm ($40, $75) Another act that blossomed in the 80s and, in fact, helped define the synth-pop sound of that decade. He had 15 top 40 singles between 1983 and 1992 and have never stopped performing, still releasing albums (including podcasts) and writing.

What a weekend! We have Halloween on Friday and the end of Daylight Savings time on Sunday. I’ve included a few Halloween night gigs, as well as a couple that don’t require costumes. Whether you’re trying on an alter ego or living with your normal one, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy music. Have a good week.

Jazz

Wednesday, October 29

Wolverines Trio w/Judy Donaghy Vinar @ Hell’s Kitchen, Minneapolis. 6pm – 9pm. (No Cover) Vocalist Donaghy Vinar teaches at MacNally Smith, has worked with The Girls, and the Wolverines Big Band, as well as with Bobby McFerrin’s Voicestra. She’s appeared on over 30 CDs, and has also worked with YoYo Ma, Carole King, and Janis Siegal of the Manhattan Transfer. The Wolverines Trio are one of the finest trios in town, and are especially good at accompanying singers.

Jason Weisman Trio @ Hell’s Kitchen, Minneapolis. 6pm – 9pm (No Cover) Jason is a credible crooner and a valued saxophonist on the TC Jazz scene who also leads the Jazztronauts and other bands, and has played with Steeling Dan, Jack McDuff, Wynton Marsalis, and Lamont Cranston, among others. Ask for a table in front of the stage, since the Kitchen can get quite noisy. Here’s Jason in a quartet setting.

TriOleo @ The Black Dog Coffee & Wine Bar, Saint Paul. 8:30pm – 10:00pm ($5 – $20 Suggested Donation) Here’s an intriguing trio for a Thursday evening. Joel Shapira, guitar; Bruce Heine, bass; Dave Schmalenberger, drums. All of them are veterans of many bands and many performances. Each can be nuanced in their approach, and turn around and deliver a breath-taking solo.

Friday, October 31

B3 Organ Duo & The Atlantis Quartet @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($10 Suggested Donation) Things start out with Mac Santiago, drums; and Kevin Gastonguay, B3; as a duo, and then proceed to the Atlantis Quartet reprising their version of John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme. Costumes encouraged, and debauchery promised. Here is the Atlantis Quartet doing an original.

Patty Peterson & Friends: Halloween Party @ Parma 8200, Bloomington. 9pm (No Cover) Well, given that it’s Halloween the folks at Parma 8200 are using the atrium of their building to hold this party. No word on whether there will be a costume contest, though the event is sure to be playful. Music and dancing will take place until Midnight. Patty’s friends will include Jason Peterson, piano, sax, vocals; Bobby Vandell, drums, vocals; Billy Franze, bass, vocals; and Cory J. Wong on guitar & vocals. If you’re planning on eating first, reservations are suggested.

Saturday, November 1

What Would Monk Do? @ The Black Dog Coffee & Wine Bar, Saint Paul. 7pm ($10 Suggested Donation) The wonderful Saturday Night Jazz continues at the Black Dog. It features well established Twiin Cities groups, many of which played regularly at the Artists’ Quarter. Though original music usually is prevalent, tonight’s group draws it’s inspiration from Thelonious Monk, playing his compositions and interpreting others with his style in mind. The group features Kenny Horst, drums; Peter Schimke, piano; Billy Peterson, bass; and Steve Kenny, trumpet.

Pete Enblom @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 8:30pm ($10 Suggested Donation) A veteran of 40 years as a professional trombone player, Enblom played lead trombone for Buddy Rich, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Arties Shaw Orchestra, and the Brian Setzer Orchestra. He’s also played in bands for such legends as Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick, Jr, and Aretha Franklin. Here, he steps out from the big bands in an intimate setting.

Lews, Johnson, & Bates @ The Icehouse, MInneapolis. 10pm ($8) That’s Mike Lewis, sax; Gordon Johnson, bass; and JT Bates, on drums. Johnson has recorded as a sideman on over 150 recordings, ranging from blues and R&B, bluegrass, and folk to jazz, where he’s been featured with artists like Stacey Kent, Maynard Ferguson, and Paul Winter. While Bates and Lewis have played together quite a bit, especially in Fat Kid Wednesdays, I’m aware of only one other instance where they played as a trio with Johnson, and it was great fun.

Tuesday, November 4

Dean Magraw and Davu Seru @ The Black Dog Coffee & Wine Bar, Saint Paul. (Tip Jar) it’s the first Tuesday of the month, so guitarist Magraw and percussionist/drummer Seru will work their magic at the Black Dog once again.

Blues, Roots, Other…

Wednesday, October 29

Hula Peppers on KFAI and @ The 331 Club, Minneapolis. 5pm (KFAI-90.3 & 106.7FM), 7pm (331 Club – Tip Jar) Dan Newton’s paen to the music of the 20s and 30s, not to forget Hawaii, is lots of fun, that’s for sure. Beside Newton on accordion, the Peppers nclude Gary Powell on Hawaiian guitar; Dave Furniss on resonator guitar, and Corey Mohan on ukes and musical saw. Extra spice is added when chanteuse Lauren Asheim joins in for a song.

Mystic Order of Reverb & Twang @ Schooner’s Pub, Minneapolis. 8pm. (Tip Jar) The Schooner is about as unpretentious as a bar can be, though it still has a decent beer selection, just right to quaff as you listen (or even dance) to these fine proponents of Rockabilly, proto R&B, all things twangy, and even a bit of Western Swing. They take the stage at 8pm sharp, according to the bar clock, which, as you know, is always 10-15 minutes fast.

Osaka Monorail @ The Cedar Cutlural Center, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($20) The funkiest aggregation out of Japan, the Osaka Monorail has been going strong for 20 years now. Taking their sartorial cues from the funk bands of the early 60s, they not only lay down the funk, but do it with matching choreography and a frontman/vocalist who is clearly inspired by the early dance moves of James Brown. The 9-piece symphonic funk band Grolar Bears open. check them out.

Thursday, October 30

Big George Jackson, Ray Barnard, & Rena Haus @ Lee’s Liquor Lounge, Minneapolis. 8:45pm ($5) It’s a triple release party by a trio of highly talented artists. Ray Barnard used to be in the Americana/rock band The Copperheads, though he’s become more of a blue-eyed soul singer since then, as evidenced on his new CD, Where Would I Be Without You. Big George Jackson has a bass voice that will rattle the plates in your cupboard, and writes songs that chug along with the power of a locomotive, as evidenced on Back At It, his new CD. Rena Haus creates songs with wit and wisdom, and comes into town from her farm to play some blues and celebrate her latest, Out of the Blues

Devlish Dances @ The Bedlam Theater, Saint Paul. 7:30pm ($25) The Minnesota Music Company presents it’s inaugural production. They are using The Fiddler’s Tale, by Wynton Marsalis, along with prose by Stanley Crouch, and theater and dance by Live Action set. The music will be performed by musicians from the Minnesota Orchestra, The MacPhail Center for Music, and St. Olaf College. The devil seduces a female violinist and band leader with the promise of easy fame, untold, wealth and the glamor of the music industry.

Siama Matuzungidi w/Mikkel Beckmen and Dallas Johnson @ The Nicollet, Minneapolis. 8pm – 10pm (Tip jar) I realize I posted about this group last week, but since then I’ve had a chance to see them, and came away even more impressed than I thought I would. For a three-piece acoustic group, they do some fine jamming and getting folks onto the dance floor, which is quite nice at the Nicollet.

International Novelty Gamelan @ Khyber Pass Cafe, Saint Paul. 9pm ($5) The traditional gamelan ensemble uses percussive instruments, such as metallophones and hand played drums to create beautiful, yet moving music. This ensemble uses the instruments to explore new music. To hear some of their music, go here.

Friday, October 31

Davina & The Vagabonds @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 8pm ($15) Though they don’t do goth, zombies, or vampires, but Davina and the Vagabonds are still a great party band for Halloween – their musical fun knows no bounds, whether Davina is singing an original or a Fats Domino tune. There’s a reason she regularly sells out the Dakota and fills many other venues around town – she’s that good at good time music – even when she’s singing threats to guys who’ve done her wrong.

The Nephews

Halloween Show: The Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank w/Jillian Rae @ The Icehouse, Minneapolis. 10pm ($8/advance, $10/door) Ian and Teague Alexy grew up in New Jersey, studied music on different coasts, and settled in Northern Minnesota, where they formed the Hobo Nephews to play in the burgeoning roots/Americana scene along with Charlie Parr and Trampled by Turtles. They’ve released four albums and have toured the nation. Talented vocalist/fiddler Jillian Rae will be releasing a new song, Heart in a Jar, about a zombie in love with a living person. Dressing up is encouraged, with a prize for best costume.

Captan Gravitone & the String Theory Orcestra @ The Driftwood Char Bar, Minneapolis. 8pm (Tip Jar) this Southern Minnesota trio mixes genres as deftly as a bartender mixing an old fashioned. They create tangos about Walmart, and songs about being a philosophy major, as well as music by Dave Brubeck, Willie Dixon, and the Zombies.

Badinovs @ The Eagles Club #34, Minneapolis. 8pm ($5) Fans of Beatles-style pop rock will want to check out the Badinovs who will be playing new material as a way to say goodbye to daylight savings time. Opening at 8pm are the Fuggs, a cover band from Dassel, MN, followed by a short set from Mike Nilles’ guitar students.

Sunday, November 2

Nikki & the Ruemates @ Dubliner Pub, Saint Paul. 5pm – 7pm (Tip Jar) Here’s an early Sunday evening show worth your while, especially if you’re a fan of late 60s folk/rock and a bit of blues. Nikki’s clarion vocals still thrill, while the Ruemates’ instrumental prowess still cooks.

For a more comprehensive listing of blues (and some roots) events, see the MN Blues Society calendar. For a comprehensive listing of Cajun and Zydeco events, see the Krewe de Walleye calendar. Dancers might want to check out the U Wanna Dance Calendar.